Albums of the Year: Aesop Dekker

While the sweeping impact of VHÖLs2015 masterpieceDeeper than Sky has lost nothing of its energetic appeal, drummer Aesop Dekker has of course been busy on many other playgrounds: helping Lorraine Rath und Jessica Way to make Worm Ouroboros’ third album What Gracless Dawn into the etheric mediation it is for example, or introduced us to Khorada . All these projects do not only have Dekkers multifaceted drumming in common, but also share the same high quality standards his – and really all of his VHÖL associates – name is synonymous with. So make sure you don’t miss his favorite records and recommendations for 2016!

1. Inculcator – Void Abecedary

Incredibly adept and strange sort of thrash/death high weirdness. Adventurous and yet catchy. Definitely one for the ages.

9. Death in Rome – Hitparade

Yes, kind of a novelty album, but infinitely gorgeous and beautiful net-folk renditions of vapid pop songs. Every part of me should hate this but just can’t. Found myself listening to it a lot this year.

10. Void Omnia – Dying Light

Void Omnia’s debut is a frill-free piece of traditional Black Metal. Melodic, spacious, and reminds me of some of the best French Black Metal of the past, but these guys are from my hometown of Oakland. It’s been a pleasure watching these guys develop and eventually drop the best BM release of 2016 in my opinion.